[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6463079,"mediaKeyId","5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb","parentId",5786187,"title","Votes at a glance: Cave Creek USD board actions Sept. 10, 2025","audioSeconds",2282,"startMs",6949000,"endMs",9231000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb&start=6949&end=9231","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb/thumbnail_6949000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6463079/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-Cave-Creek-USD-board-actions-Sept-10-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463079-e2145fb5293f31e8aa05eefa00f6b74a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775339256&Signature=OZHXAm5xiG2dpj~MgMtzGGCpmGzq85PNog6DCdLpEMrDbp8k-yDJnX0FCWRBwdbeER3wWGQdSy-i5gBflnCsXRm82tHaJreihutRBRfwbE~z-wYPkq94kXls~QFwk4C~XlOQ4CQJRj6By~dP7MgNXc0d-QJ7bzb382IjhWt46XejgUI9PB-PqoEuVMF-SUYOKk8yXJFNeNspq4CIKJu9XfLWc5o9BjooYvhFKSwNikVS9aVkTykNYqimS89OIyQO4~P~aa9jrH~oFND8LeiBQ5ElOvbi9rE5Ub5BpnEhjxFsPL8ZBdzFY56nSfV4k35PXwAQaE6Jl19~Va8tdDTMdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cave Creek Unified District, AZ","date","2025-09-15T17:24:13Z","article","At its Sept. 10 meeting, the Cave Creek Unified School District governing board took multiple formal actions, including approving a transportation pay adjustment to address CDL driver salary compression and several administrative and legal items.

Summary of votes and outcomes (actions taken):

- Item 6.22 — Approve recommended salary adjustments to address CDL driver salary compression as presented (approved; voice vote). The action follows a detailed transportation presentation documenting driver losses and operational strain.

- Item 6 (Action consent) — Routine consent items approved (voice vote).

- Item 9.1 — Approval of the instructional time model as presented (approved). The model explicitly allows for emergency remote instruction and staff‑development remote days as specified on approved calendars.

- Item 9.2 — Approval of the 2025–26 superintendent goals as presented (approved).

- Item 9.3 — Adopted a superintendent performance‑pay resolution establishing a district plan under ARS 15‑34139, allowing up to 5% of the superintendent's base pay to be designated as performance‑based pay, subject to annual board assessment (approved).

- Item 9.4 — Adopted a Legendary Teacher Day resolution designating Sept. 25 as Legendary Teacher Day (approved).

- Item 9.5 — Approved the direction given to the board's legal counsel during a previously held executive session (approved).

- Item 9.6 — Retain Osborne Maladon, P.A., as special counsel regarding the EVIT satellite intergovernmental agreement (approved).

- Item 9.7 — Authorized special counsel (Osborne Maladon) to initiate legal action, if needed, regarding the EVIT satellite IGA and CTED funding statute matters (approved).

- Item 9.8 — Approved the governing board norms and commitments for 2025–26 (approved).

Why it matters: The approved items range from operational (transportation pay changes) to governance and legal strategy (outside counsel retention and authorization to pursue legal remedies). The superintendent performance‑pay resolution formalizes a local plan permitted under state statute and ties up to 5% of base pay to achievement of agreed goals.

Ending: Many of the items were approved by voice vote with no opposition called on the record. Several items require follow‑up implementation steps from staff and, in the EVIT/CTED matters, possible future legal filings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CCUSD Governing Board Mtg. 09/09/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a package of administrative and legal items including a transportation pay adjustment, district‑level superintendent performance pay plan, retention of outside counsel for an EVIT agreement and other routine items.","taxTitle","Cave Creek Unified District (4244), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",38730,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6463084,"Parents, staff and retirees urge review of coach dismissal and raise 504 and safety complaints; board to schedule executive session",921,7674000,8595000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb&start=7674&end=8595","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb/thumbnail_7674000.jpg","/articles/6463084/Arizona/Parents-staff-and-retirees-urge-review-of-coach-dismissal-and-raise-504-and-safety-complaints-board-to-schedule-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463084-fb40bdc109bd30e9cd0435330b4055b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775339256&Signature=HP-FlZGS-J1gGZLg6d30a9cSiFhPUaESagKgp2iqAoxdxWfKDcwrpXUyhiyRTVLf-VW1Xw0gbhtzxclFiVS2-9vHdDp5r2f9RoNNfIFk2k9oEqKyy2Aq-ebqaXxdFP4n~cXHg82Ho9vfNfPnKVROy8e5nwj926Iv4qkTW-jYHt~e0nC5x8rQPgAhBzCZliKyTkPFYFHfuXbBuINltQoT2qJpZ8J4G6DRG6KHjw6H6espJpp3O3oGTn8YE5KVJgx1igQ5OS9YU2Dw4t48QIAml7QpIL7iddUcMRh8cy~vBKpG1IsEhd6DW5uvIgbYHuqaAbuzREQuOv~oW-OEZl8Frg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A lengthy public comment period at Wednesday's Cave Creek Unified School District meeting featured a mix of personal testimony: a longtime bus driver announced her resignation citing low pay and lack of raises; several parents, teachers and alumni asked the board to reinstate or reconsider action taken against longtime Cactus Shadows baseball coach Gaetano Gianni; and other speakers raised concerns about the district's handling of students' 504 accommodations and allegations of unreported student mistreatment.

Key public comments included:
- Carrie Smith, a 30‑year district employee and lead driver, announced her resignation effective Sept. 12 and said she had never received a raise in decades of service. \"My love of this community kept me here. But passion and love of your community can only take you so far when you don't feel valued and your loyalty is taken for granted,\" Smith said.
- Alexa Hamilton, a Cactus Shadows teacher, urged the board to keep coach Gianni, saying he \"goes above and beyond\" for players and the field, and argued the disciplinary action stemmed from minor administrative rules rather than substantive misconduct.
- Several parents and community members echoed support for the coach; others used the public comment period to raise separate concerns about student safety and alleged mishandling of student statements in an investigation. One commenter, who identified herself as a licensed mental health therapist, said school officials had shifted the narrative away from alleged abuse and toward protecting staff reputation. \"This is a deflection from the real issue which is the safety and well‑being of students,\" she said.

Board response and follow up: Trustees heard the comments and asked administration to develop next steps. Several trustees said more information was needed and that personnel matters require careful handling. A trustee asked staff to send a written update by email; the board requested legal and HR follow‑up. Because executive‑session action was not on the evening's agenda, trustees agreed they could not move immediately into closed session but asked administration to schedule a noticed executive session to consider employment matters and any necessary legal review.

Why it matters: The comments reflected community concern about personnel decisions, classified staff pay and special‑education accommodation processes. Board members said they wanted to ensure both due process for employees and appropriate responses to allegations about student safety.

Ending: Board leadership committed to follow up with staff and legal counsel, to provide the board more information and to schedule an appropriately noticed executive session to address personnel issues.","Multiple public commenters defended a long‑time baseball coach, criticized administrative decisions and also raised separate allegations about student safety and 504 accommodations. Board members asked staff to follow up and to schedule an executive session to review personnel/HR matters.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6463089,"District operational departments report staffing cuts, aging equipment and rising costs",1927,2578000,4505000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb&start=2578&end=4505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb/thumbnail_2578000.jpg","/articles/6463089/Arizona/District-operational-departments-report-staffing-cuts-aging-equipment-and-rising-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463089-1bf83f3361f501b0dbb56f1e617c55ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1775339256&Signature=iaMoXYv-F7YcvBvp2JhzzIRLgO4Rz2TOBI0eu~6E5jldTCrLkrdGGsTWK0u3nHvkQMFL~e74xro28yJyXKBOTFXvG3O92rQcnTX0~2XUlZkeeE08YO-nkCwiZVMZe9vjgY8tM04zGtLc~m~JqHXvvWRiyBl~ykfV6dHxWcjtKt4UMHdSEKS7OFVgTzk1-1LjhiwpNj6Qrhf8pxjR-HhZaWgPmoBYydRjwtNYNUchxtkwsU~Tja-jeQRChPOslhd8D~EEvYnYbjTyWroNTZU9Hcl-2by3SZsU3UAi1qsDLHAbFI~B1J1MooKLIXH~TtnaZ5svdZLOL6J-HZ~LRP46wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District leaders presented a bundled update Wednesday on operational departments that keep schools running — child nutrition, instructional technology, facilities and finance — and described concurrent pressures from staff turnover, aging capital equipment and rising consumable costs.

Shannon Quinn, Child Nutrition director, said the department has shrunk from roughly 30 employees to about 25 and that food costs and supply formulation changes are squeezing budgets. \"Kids can't do school while they're hungry,\" Quinn said, explaining why nutrition services are critical and why she may propose cafeteria price adjustments for 2026–27 to reflect higher food costs.

Technology Director Ezra Williams said his team is small — roughly seven technicians — yet supports more than 6,000 student devices, about 500 staff devices and roughly 800 classrooms. Williams said an unusually large share of devices and network equipment are at the end of their typical lifecycle and that cloud migration has been used to reduce on‑site hardware burdens and improve cybersecurity.

Facilities staff noted a cut from about 30 employees to 15 while the inventory of building space and work requests has increased. Administrators said preventive maintenance budgets and skilled labor shortages force frequent use of external contractors; a facilities manager reported the FMX work‑order system now shows roughly 3,500 annual requests, up markedly from previous years.

Finance leadership (director absent) reported a reduced team managing $50–$55 million in annual transactions; trustees were reminded of the auditing and compliance risks that accompany staff turnover in finance and payroll functions.

Why it matters: These departments operate behind the classroom but are essential for daily school operations. District leaders said reduced staffing and aging equipment increase the likelihood of service interruptions and higher repair and replacement costs.

Ending: Directors asked the board to consider funding priorities and long‑term solutions, including investments in replacement technology, facility capital projects and sustainable compensation structures for classified staff.","Child nutrition, technology, facilities and finance directors reported staffing reductions, end‑of‑life equipment and higher operating costs during a district operations update.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6463092,"Cave Creek USD presents September revision to FY26 budget; state and federal funding shifts lower some program funding",452,1444000,1896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb&start=1444&end=1896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb/thumbnail_1444000.jpg","/articles/6463092/Arizona/Cave-Creek-USD-presents-September-revision-to-FY26-budget-state-and-federal-funding-shifts-lower-some-program-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463092-ee203d3817420de0cd3df8a32fcbad03/orig.mp4?Expires=1775339256&Signature=S7x0PG2p7Fw85bZI2ctEqjV54AX8fPEACVefB0qJq5qFJfH4AxKUTAnT-PxB3FzaoFNeEWWKDyJJuVev4GRN2NyQRikfdoS0~cJY7G6jngfBoZIZRokXf8cno0daOWeRDknXR1XuazlY6kodRWJP5gpZRUd~ABxj07ATDKbtLINKUAmm76mMWIYc949gES19iFVGE0QDhdtj8tp8OWujTp2TKWt5E3sBZQLHDea3WIhB74hM4c5Up0nepz9ujA6mASBOaIkW9TjXjwiuIxeNVzlRHpOWJNszI9h0VGeTokY-grs3wcfmHkrzjD-ALxzh-eEm4hSw~wI8Aenbf~Cs9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cave Creek Unified School District governing board received a September revision to the fiscal year 2026 budget on Wednesday as finance staff reviewed enrollment‑based funding updates and federal grant reductions.

Dr. Pletnick, who presented the revision, said the September update was required because final state budget forms were not available when the district adopted its budget this summer. \"A revision in September is actually a good thing for us,\" he said, explaining the district now has the state forms and ten‑day enrollment counts.

Key numbers and changes presented:
- Maintenance and operations (M&O) capacity was revised slightly up from the adopted $26,500,000 to $26,800,000 based on current counts.
- The district kept $1,000,000 in capital this year as promised, and moved other amounts to increase projected carry forward; FY25 to FY26 carry forward projections were cited as just above $3,800,000 after end‑of‑year cost savings.
- Projected M&O capacity plus other funding gives a budget capacity of just over $32,000,000, while current budgeted expenditures are about $29,300,000.
- The presentation projected roughly $2,600,000 in carry forward into FY27 under current assumptions.

Pletnick also flagged significant reductions in federal grant funding. \"You can see our title funding... we went from, almost $550,000 down to under $300,000 between all of our titles,\" he said, and reported that IDA (special education) funding had declined from over $1,000,000 to under $700,000. He attributed part of the Title decline to the state's use of U.S. census (area wealth) data rather than local free‑and‑reduced counts for certain allocations.

Administrators reviewed the calendar of next steps: the annual financial report will be presented in October; the state will confirm official carry‑forward in November; the district audit follows and a December budget revision is scheduled if required.

Board Q&A focused on the effect of federal formula changes, options for sustaining staff stipends, and where ongoing recurring compensation increases could be funded. Trustees asked whether the district could maintain one‑time stipends and where those payments had been charged in the budget; staff said the one‑time stipend referenced in prior years was funded from state ESSER-related allocations and had been paid out over multiple years as negotiated through employee groups.

Ending: Trustees did not take formal action on the revision at the meeting; staff will return with the annual financial report and updated carry‑forward numbers when state confirmations become available.","Cabinet presented a September budget revision after the state budget passed. Changes include a slight M&O increase, a held-aside $1 million capital preservation and steep federal Title and IDA funding drops.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6463097,"Cave Creek USD confronts transportation staffing crisis; board approves CDL salary-compression changes",2602,2688000,5290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb&start=2688&end=5290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5786187-b3e1d6fc31af5868e9f51e921df5dceb/thumbnail_2688000.jpg","/articles/6463097/Arizona/Cave-Creek-USD-confronts-transportation-staffing-crisis-board-approves-CDL-salary-compression-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463097-1443959e3313fa270cbcf6cfa2d7b154/orig.mp4?Expires=1775339256&Signature=inbHBX2PCLjlB9tYCrMxwfVUFjq2rpMfLKjovNTmh~DhoUvo4zLMvuuLnTMyhPeC929PcWzUJ2WAumDpODtPmwzcL-9mG3jUbM1zzw1rRbL1fCwugDgACuxsbekxv2DF5~lLaX0fG7QSw56lRgkJrP8SKmbpC5EZ30X0ou4aLoiVw2iYvUP~PYPhNXAR327fEcYLeJ-BlOzUZ31aQaLL-7klBjJ9G6CJIzAZSChe~9x-YB2HPq6KIZ3LQ0Yl-r0saJnpYPqWYOYBzEqa6moQsAxaEqwDDKakJ63AsdpmgLv6ZzOvfzvy8~tclVquQEmu1rB0ivHUGSusvpBJR8XciA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cave Creek Unified School District governing board on Wednesday approved salary-compression adjustments aimed at relieving a critical shortage of commercial driver's-license (CDL) bus drivers after an extended presentation about safety risks, long route times and an aging fleet.

Interim Director of Transportation Linda Suter told the board the department has lost nearly 40% of its workforce in two years and is operating routes at more than full capacity. \"These people give of their heart and soul every day to the kids in this community,\" Suter said, describing drivers who routinely cover high annual mileage and routes that now average about 62 minutes.

Why it matters: The district serves a geographically large attendance area; longer routes and fewer drivers increase safety and reliability risks for daily student transportation, and the shortage has already forced canceled or consolidated runs and longer student ride times.

The board heard detailed staffing figures and service impacts. Suter said the department has dropped from 48 employees in 2023–24 to far fewer today, including a reduction in full‑time CDL drivers from 24 to about 12 and a corresponding loss in support staff. She told the board several drivers were on extended leave and others were expected to depart, leaving the operation strained: \"Logistically, it's just not real,\" she said of the mileage demands on remaining drivers.

District staff recommended structural changes to the salary schedule. Dr. Hendrickson (cabinet member) outlined a plan to move the district to \"salary bands\" for transportation employees so pay is tied to experience ranges instead of a single compressed scale. \"It helps with retention,\" she said, adding that predictable pay bands can increase retention and recruitment.

Board members asked whether a one‑time stipend or other interim measures should be considered while the longer term compression correction is implemented. Trustees and staff discussed the limits of the district budget and the tradeoffs of mid‑year pay changes; Superintendent Phil Dolezal said the board retains discretion through the budget process and that any mid‑year decisions would have downstream fiscal consequences for carry‑forward and subsequent fiscal years.

Formal action: The board moved and passed a resolution approving the recommended salary adjustments to address CDL driver pay compression (Item 6.22). The motion passed by voice vote; no opposition was called on the record.

What comes next: Transportation leaders told the board their immediate hiring targets include five full‑time CDL drivers, three part‑time substitutes, two additional white‑fleet drivers and two bus aides. Staff said they will continue active recruiting, interview candidates daily and pursue short‑term supports such as substitute pools while they implement the salary‑band changes. The board asked staff to return with details on implementation steps and projected costs.

Ending: Trustees and staff framed the changes as only a first step toward stabilizing a department that district leaders described as operating beyond sustainable limits. \"If we don't do anything, my fear is that we keep on the path of losing more employees,\" a cabinet member said.","Interim transportation director described steep driver losses, extreme route times and aging buses. The governing board approved salary-compression adjustments intended to improve recruitment and retention.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Cave Creek USD board actions Sept. 10, 2025

Parents, staff and retirees urge review of coach dismissal and raise 504 and safety complaints; board to schedule executive session

District operational departments report staffing cuts, aging equipment and rising costs

Cave Creek USD presents September revision to FY26 budget; state and federal funding shifts lower some program funding

Cave Creek USD confronts transportation staffing crisis; board approves CDL salary-compression changes